Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh triumphed in the 2025 T-Mobile Home Run Derby, held in Atlanta’s Truist Park, showcasing his extraordinary talent on a night ideal for power hitting. Raleigh defeated Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays in a gripping final, solidifying his status as one of the league’s premier sluggers. In addition to a trophy featuring two criss-crossed silver baseball bats, Raleigh was awarded a sparkling championship chain inscribed with “Derby Champ.”
With a remarkable home run tally of 38 at the All-Star break, Raleigh’s performance during the derby was nothing short of spectacular. He kicked off the final round with a commanding presence, aided by his father, Todd Raleigh, who pitched for him, and his 15-year-old brother, who served as one of the catchers. After hitting seven home runs in his initial round, Raleigh took a strategic time-out before launching eight more, including a dramatic shot that cleared the fence just as the timer expired.
In the bonus round, he added three more home runs, setting the daunting target of 19 for Caminero. Despite a strong start, Caminero finished with a total of 15 home runs, unable to surpass Raleigh’s impressive score.
Family Bonds and Historic Achievements
Raleigh’s win marked a significant moment not only for his career but also for his family, as they celebrated together in front of thousands of fans. “It just means the world,” Raleigh expressed after the contest, revealing the emotional weight of the victory. His father, reflecting on the experience, stated, “This is what they dream about,” highlighting the special bond between father and son.
Following the derby, the Raleigh family commemorated the occasion by signing a baseball for the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Raleigh remarked with awe, “Kind of surreal. You don’t think you’re gonna win it… The fact that you win it with your family – super special. What a night.” His victory also made him the first catcher and the first switch hitter to ever win the Home Run Derby, adding a historic layer to the achievement.
Power Display and Memorable Moments
The event was a showcase of baseball’s power, with many of the game’s biggest stars competing in front of an enthusiastic crowd. Among the notable highlights was Jazz Chisholm Jr., who struggled in the opening round, hitting only three home runs and eliciting boos from the audience. In contrast, Matt Olson of the Atlanta Braves energized the crowd with a late surge, finishing with 15 home runs but ultimately falling short of advancing.
The opening round’s excitement peaked with a dramatic tiebreaker between Raleigh and Brent Rooker of the Athletics, both finishing with 17 home runs. Raleigh advanced by a narrow margin, measured by Statcast, showcasing the competitive spirit of the derby.
As the semifinals unfolded, Byron Buxton of the Minnesota Twins, who had initially set a strong pace, managed only seven home runs in his semifinal. Raleigh continued to dominate, amassing 19 home runs and setting a high bar for O’Neil Cruz of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who had previously hit the day’s longest shot at 513 feet. Cruz, despite his efforts, ended with 13 home runs, setting up the final showdown between Raleigh and Caminero.
Raleigh’s victory not only brings him a $1 million winner’s purse but also cements his status as an emerging star in Major League Baseball. As he prepares to bat fourth for the American League squad in the upcoming All-Star Game, the baseball world will be watching closely to see what the future holds for this talented player.